From our friends in Zimbabwe

The situation in Zimbabwe being what it is, it’s often hard to see beyond the headlines and the punditry that tells how how we should feel. But of course, in this connected world, we live in a field of relationships that descends deep into every story on our planet.

I have friends in Zimbabwe, and from that network of hosts and courageous leaders comes this email:

Standing in Silence under a New Moon
Sunday 6th April 2008

7 days ago we voted for change in our country.
Against the legal imperative to call an election foul within 48 hours of final polling
and to publish the numbers within 6 days,
and in the face of SADAC and international observers approval of our voting process,
ZanuPF is now demanding a recount.

What possible reason can there be for this delay
other than a refusal to accept the deafening call
for the old man to leave.

The threats violence have once again begun
Yesterday white farms were attacked by ZanuPF youths in Masvingo
Journalists have been arrested at the airport

We are weary and battle scarred
fearful and courageous
carrying the shadows of pain and intimidation on our souls
we have spoken,
done all we can by peaceful means
still held in the dark unknowing.

We live with the politics of fear
Learning to hold the ground

I’m learning to hold ground too, with them from afar.